What are the causes of Sjögren's syndrome?

Sjögren's syndrome is a common disease. Studies have found that genetic factors, decreased autoimmunity, viral infection, etc. are the key causes of this disease. This disease has a huge impact on patients. It can be treated with symptomatic treatment, systemic treatment, folk remedies and other methods, and the effect is quite good.

1. What are the causes of Sjögren's syndrome?

1. Genetic factors

In the research and determination of immunogenetics, medical scientists have found that among human leukocyte antigens, HLA-DR3 and B8 are closely related to Sjögren's syndrome, and this correlation varies with different races. For example, Western Europeans are related to HLA-B8, DR3, and DW52, and Japanese are related to HLA-DR53. This shows that Sjögren's syndrome has a genetic tendency. In the family history, there are sisters and mothers and daughters who suffer from Sjögren's syndrome at the same time, which also suggests that there are genetic factors in the cause of this disease.

2. Decreased immunity

A variety of autoantibodies such as antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor, anti-RNP antibodies, anti-SSA antibodies, anti-SSB antibodies, etc. as well as hyperglobulinemia have been detected in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, reflecting the highly hyperfunction of B lymphocytes themselves and the low inhibitory function of T lymphocytes. In addition, the changes in T lymphocyte subsets in this disease, namely the decrease in suppressor T cells, reflect the abnormality of cellular immunity.

3. Viral infection

Currently, at least three viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and HIV virus are considered to be related to Sjögren's syndrome. Epstein-Barr virus can stimulate B cell proliferation and the production of immunoglobulins. Some medical scientists have detected Epstein-Barr virus and its DNA gene in salivary gland, lacrimal gland, and kidney specimens from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

How to treat Sjögren's syndrome

1. Symptomatic treatment:

1. Treatment of keratitis sicca: Use 0.5% hydroxymethylcellulose (artificial tears) eye drops to treat Sjögren's syndrome to reduce corneal damage. Topical use of hormones can relieve symptoms, but they can relapse quickly after discontinuation. Long-term use can induce glaucoma and secondary eye infections. Diuretics, certain antihypertensive drugs and antidepressants have inhibitory effects on the lacrimal and salivary glands and should be used with caution.

2. Treatment of dry mouth: It is quite difficult to relieve the symptoms of dry mouth, and the mouth should be moistened with liquid frequently. Attention must be paid to oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay and other oral infections. Avoid taking medications that contain choline.

3. Treatment of dryness symptoms in other parts of the body: Dry skin syndrome generally does not require treatment. For dry nasal cavity, you can use normal saline drops to nasal cavity, and avoid using oily lubricants to prevent lipoid pneumonia caused by inhalation. People whose vaginal dryness interferes with sexual intercourse can use lubricants.

2. Systemic treatment:

Corticosteroids can be used for severe vasculitis, lung and kidney diseases, liver damage, low blood cells and other serious diseases. Prednisone is commonly used to treat Sjögren's syndrome. The initial dose is 30-40 mg per day. After the symptoms are relieved, the dose is gradually reduced and the hormone is withdrawn in a timely manner. Although the immunosuppressants azathioprine and cyclophosphamide have many side effects, they should be used in combination with glucocorticoids for patients with rapidly progressing conditions. The therapeutic dose of cyclophosphamide is 2-4 mg/kg per day. The changes in white blood cells should be observed during treatment. If the white blood cell count is <4X109/L, the treatment should be stopped for observation. Patients with joint pain can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, etc. Patients with malignant lymphoma should actively and promptly carry out combined chemotherapy for lymphoma.

3. Folk remedies for treatment:

Sjögren's syndrome is covered with a yellow pseudomembrane, and the surrounding mucosa is slightly swollen, bright red, and burning and painful. It often occurs on the lips, cheeks, gums, palate and other parts. There may be fever, flushed face, dry mouth, bad breath, constipation, yellow urine, and red tongue. The tongue coating is thick and yellow, and the pulse is slippery and rapid. The treatment is suitable for clearing the bowels, purging heat, cooling blood and relieving pain. Liangge San or Qingwei Tang with modifications.